Lessons from a terrified horror researcher | Mathias Clasen | TEDxAarhus

Horror researcher Mathias Clausen tells us the science of why we love to be scared half to death. Mathias Clasen is a specialist in horror media and has spent years getting to the bottom of the paradox of horror: Why do people seek out the kind of entertainment that’s designed to make them feel bad?

Drawing from research on human cognition and evolution, Mathias argues that our appetite for horror and our fascination with monsters run deep in our nature.

Horror entertainment serves important functions for us by satisfying a deep-seated need for imaginative experiences with scenarios of danger.

[jennydeamhan]

"Palms are sweaty..."

MOM'S SPAGHETTI

[amber-]

I haven’t been kept awake at night from a horror film in years. But I recently watched ‘Lake Mungo’ and that really got under my skin. I felt a sense of terror throughout and I’m not even too sure why. There aren’t any jump scares, it’s all very subtle which makes it even more disturbing. I definitely recommend it.

[poisonedcheeseproductions]

wow the fact that this dude had a zombie come out mid-lecture was absolutely incredible and awesome

[angiethinksuramazing]

I'm studying, how watching horror movies can actually help people with anxiety. It can be thought that the adrenaline dump, that occurs during a panic attack, can be released through viewing some types of horror films.

[jeffkunze]

The problem with this theory is primarily due to the horror movie score or soundtrack. If you watch the Shining or Jaws without the score, the movies aren't nearly as frightening. What would the score have to do with our ancient past? Shouldn't a snarling lion sound be one of the most frightening things to us, if we've evolved to have our bodies just react to that? But a lion roar isn't that scary at all, but an alarming soundtrack can freak you out even without the movie.

[lasrber]

I work in customer service. I usually sympathize with the 'monsters'

[wyattE]

I agree with this, and I must say, as an avid fan of horror films, that it was very fascinating to hear why we are drawn to such things from a scientific perspective. In my own life personally, I found it cathartic, and the reason that it was, I assumed, or at least part of the reason, is because it took my mind off of problems, worries, and concerns that I and the rest of us face as we navigate through life. I actually sleep well after watching a horror film, because instead of lying there awake ruminating and fretting over real life situations, I have burned all that stressful energy in watching a gruesome horror film. It certainly can be very psychologically therapeutic, and it was a pleasure to hear you explain it and lay it out so eloquently why, scientifically, we seek out horror even though it draws out negative feelings like fear, tension, anxiety, sadness, etc.

[rockupeasy]

The horror of mouth noises on every ted talk.

[ProductBasement]

I like watching horror movies because they make me scared for hours afterwards, which means I'm feeling something. I eat spicy food for the same reason: I can taste it for hours afterward

[SoLuVaBle]

When I got to the bathroom scene in “The Shining”, I was laying on my bed and from where I was laying I could turn my head and look directly at my bathtub. I usually keep the shower curtain drawn across the tub but after that scene I jumped up and yanked it back. Definitely slept with the bathroom light on that night, no shame. I’m definitely planning to read more King novels though!

[NihilQuest]

"Anybody else has ever been in that situation?" Silence. I'm not surprised. I envy this dude, I love horror movies but I don't think I felt scared watching one since I was 13 or so. I think this is true for most horror fans or maybe even most adults. We watch horror movies because they are freaky, dark, campy, disturbing (not all at once obviously), and there's no obligatory happy end like in all Hollywood genre movies. But scary? Nah.

[John-mzrj]

How can a film be scary when life is full of horror.

[neiloswald]

Low-key his quiet voice freaked me out. Like I was waiting for something terrible to show up

[thebinlgbtisbabadook]

If only there is a job such as a horror researcher in my country it would be my dream job

[julyol]

One of my favourite Ted talks of all time :)

[Mtz]

Thanks for this video, I'm working with my therapist on being more gentle with myself. Since I have developed unrealistic expectations about my vulnerability and demanding goals or things that might achieve a robot, not the human I am. I'm looking forward to treat myself like a machine. This video helped me

[Cookiekeks]

His voice is so calming. I want him as a narrator of a book or documentary

[jessie]

Horror exposure can help build resistance to fear provoking stimuli, which can translate into emotional mastery over stimuli in the the real world. Interesting point of view. I like the segment on how horror/ Stephen King can bring on a "cocktail" of emotions. Interesting and relatable TEdx. Thumbs up!

[mistresskabuki]

I’m teaching horror to my freshman composition students in the spring. This is going on the syllabus. Wonderful talk!

[mcrkes]

The scariest horror for me involves something very real about the human psyche. Horror inspired & an imagining of feelings such as loneliness, anger, confusion - those very real emotions illustrated via a monster or realm are terrifying!